Civil Rights Coalition Applauds Introduction Of Graduation For All Act

With Focus on Lowest-Performing Schools, Graduation for All Act Will Help All Students Obtain the High-Quality Education that is their Right, says Campaign for High School Equity

WASHINGTON — The Campaign for High School Equity (CHSE), a coalition of civil rights organizations focused on high school education reform, applauds the introduction of The Graduation for All Act of 2009 (H.R. 4122), a bill aimed at improving failing middle and high schools. The legislation, cosponsored by Representatives Miller (D-CA), Davis (D-IL), Grijalva (D-AZ), Kildee (D-MI), Scott (D-VA), Fattah (D-PA), Hinojosa (D-TX), and Loebsack (D-IA), puts action into the assertion that all American students have the right to receive a high-quality education.

To ensure the optimal functioning of the nation’s economy and our democracy, we must stem the flow of students who drop out or graduate unprepared for college and the modern workforce. By focusing improving academic achievement, graduation rates, and college readiness, this legislation is a step in the right direction for America’s high schools and high school students.

CHSE continues to believe that education policy and practice must emphasize strong accountability for schools and pay attention to the level of academic rigor and quality for students. A strong accountability system can help to reverse the appallingly low graduation rates of students of color, Native students, and low-income students. The group also believes that the early warning system in the proposed bill can help to improve student proficiency and preparation.

“The students of color and Native students represented by CHSE’s members are far more likely than their white peers to attend low-performing schools, drop out of high school, or leave school without the skills they need to succeed,” said Michael Wotorson, the group’s executive director. “By focusing on the lowest-performing middle and high schools—including the so-called ‘dropout factories’—the Graduation for All Act aims to tackle the graduation crisis directly, and if enacted will provide hope to millions of students, their families, and their communities.”

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CHSE is a coalition of leading civil rights organizations representing communities of color that is focused on high school education reform. Members include the National Urban League, National Council of La Raza, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Leadership Conference on Civil Rights Education Fund, Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, League of United Latin American Citizens, National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials Educational Fund, Alliance for Excellent Education, National Indian Education Association, and Southeast Asia Resource Action Center.

CHSE is a special project of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors.

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